Electronic ordering system, such as for use by eye care professionals

ABSTRACT

A system and method for ordering products, such as lens products from lens vendors, includes an intuitive interface. One or more displayable lists of options are provided to an operator, whereby selecting one item from the list decreases subsequent choices from other lists to only valid or available choices. Application tools interface with the system to permit data from external equipment to be input and associated with an order.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent.Applications, No. 60/303,361, filed Jul. 6, 2001, and 60/364,744, filedMar. 15, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to computer systems and methodsfor remotely communicating complex orders to third parties, such as eyewear prescriptions to manufacturers or lens processing labs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Eyeglass prescription orders are typically accomplished byfilling out a form that requires completing an average minimum of 20discrete blanks or fields and may have up to 75 fields or more dependingon the special requirements of the order. The information contained inan eyeglass prescription order can be classified into the followingseveral groups.

[0004] The actual prescription—A patient's refractive powers.

[0005] Patient information—Name, plus the measurements of the patient'seyes horizontally and vertically with respect to the patient's chosenframe.

[0006] The Frame—Since most frame companies sell directly to Eye CareProfessionals (ECPs), the frame is frequently enclosed with theprescription (“Rx”) or sent later to an optical lab to process lensesfor the frame. The frame must be described on the order, even if notsupplied, because the lab must be able to identify customer frames ifseparated from the lenses in the lens production process.

[0007] A frequent problem in ordering or writing a description of anenclosed frame is encountered when entering a color, eye size, or bridgesize that are not available for that particular frame. In other words,each piece of information taken separately is reasonable and valid, buttaken together does not describe a product or frame that exists or isavailable from that particular laboratory.

[0008] Lens Product—There are hundreds of different types of lensstyles, each that may come in different materials (glass, plastic,etc.), and where each material may come in different colors, coatings,and power combinations. A frequent error in eyeglass prescriptionordering is specifying an unavailable lens product. That is, eachseparate piece of information of the lens order is valid, but takentogether describes a product or lens that either is not made or is notavailable from the laboratory that received the order.

[0009] Lens services—There are a variety of lab-supplied services thatcan be added to a lens product as described above. For example, labsoften provide coatings for scratch resistance, anti-reflection,mirror-reflection, or colors. Again, ECPs make mistakes when orderingbecause of unavailability or incompatibility with certain lens products.For example, the coating ordered may exist, but be inappropriate for achosen lens product.

[0010] Another type of lens service provided by labs relates to edgingprocesses (shaping for insertion into frames). A lens may be polished onthe edge or ordered to a specific thickness. Again, errors in orderingoccur because certain finishing features may not be available for theparticular lens/frame combination selected.

[0011] All the various components of an eyeglass prescription order mayindeed make sense when viewed independently, but there is an error rateof more than 25% associated with handling orders that results fromincompatibility in the “inter-relationships” between the items on theorder.

[0012] An eyeglass prescription order is typically completed and sent toa lab in one of two forms. The first, traditional method is to fill outblanks in a paper form, and mail or fax that form to the lab. Morerecently, an electronic system has been developed to permit a user (suchas an optometrist, technician or other individual working with apatient) to complete an eyeglass prescription using a computer andspecialized software. Such software is available from, for example,Digital Vision Inc. of Portland, Oreg.

[0013] Two types of computer or entry systems have been provided. Afirst, traditional computer entry system used a “prompt” style of entry.A system using this type of entry would “prompt” the user or operator toenter a lens name. Then after validating that piece, the system wouldask for a material, and so on. If at some point in the “prompting”sequence the operator input is rejected for whatever reason, theoperator is faced with starting over again with the whole process. Thistype of entry has been very unpopular in eyeglass prescription orderingbecause it is so time consuming and because it precipitates frequent“starting over” when errors occur.

[0014] A second form of computer entry for eyewear prescription ordersemploys a full screen display of fields. In this system, the user seesall, or a large subset of all, fields to be completed. Full screen formentry has been more popular because of the speed and clarity of theordering process. The form is similar to the written form that all ECPsuse in their own practices.

[0015]FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of such a prior art order entrysystem. Udder this example, a user may enter a lens style in a lensstyle field 102 (such as tab or use page up/page down buttons throughthe form to select the appropriate field). The user may enter an “Alt-B”keystroke combination to cause a pop-up box 104 to be displayed whichprovides available choices of material, coatings and color. By using thepage up or page down keys on a keyboard, the user can selectivelydisplay one of several individual choices, and select a desired choiceby pressing the enter key (or the escape key to escape out of the window104). Within the box 104, shown only are those specific combinations oflens style, material, color and coating that are available. For example,as shown, a user in this example has selected a particular style, andthen may use the alt page up/page down keys to view materials availablefor the specified style (in this case glass “G” and plastic “P”). Theuser could also select a particular material, and then use the pageup/page down keys to view styles available for the specified material.Only a single combination is shown at a time within the box 104.

[0016] Under such prior systems, a third of all orders placed with labsrequired a callback by the lab to clarify the order. For example, aprescription submitted to the lab may request green plastic lenses.However, that lab does not provide green plastic lenses and would thenneed to confirm with the ECP who placed the order whether the ECP wishedto have clear plastic lenses or green glass lenses.

[0017] Other method's of automating portions of the eye care processhave been undertaken, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,399.Further, some recent software systems for use with lens labs have orwill likely become available, such as from the following: omics(www.omics.com), cc systems (www.opticalonline.com), optifacts(www.optifacts.com), optivision (optivisioninc.com), and vision star(visionstarllc.com). Some web-based systems have or will likely becomeavailable, such as from the following: vision web (www.visionweb.com),eyefinity (www.eyefinity.com), and e-lens (www.uncuts.com).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIGS. 1A and 1B are computer screen shots showing examples ofprior art order entry screens.

[0019]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a suitable computer four employingaspects of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a suitable system in whichaspects of the invention may operate in a networked computerenvironment.

[0021]FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an alternative system tothat of FIG. 2A.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a computer screen shot showing a suitable electronicform for inputting a prescription for eyewear.

[0023]FIG. 4A is a computer screen shot showing a series of cascadingmenus for selecting an “Aspheric SV” lens, thus permitting a user toquickly complete the form of FIG. 3.

[0024]FIG. 4B is a computer screen shot showing the electronic form ofFIG. 3 with an “Aspheric SV” lens selected by the series of menus ofFIG. 4A.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a computer screen shot illustrating a series ofcascading menus for selecting a “short-corridor” progressive lensprescription, under a different example to that of FIG. 4A.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a computer screen shot showing an example of cascadingmenus for selecting a traditional bifocal lens prescription, underanother example to that of FIG. 4A.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a computer screen shot showing an example of how a usermay select one of several optical labs using the form of FIG. 3.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a computer screen shot showing a series of cascadingmenus and options for progressive lenses available when a user selects aparticular optical lab.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a computer screen shot showing another series ofcascading menus and options available when a user selects progressivelenses from another optical lab.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a computer screen shot showing how a user may selectone of several promotional or package options.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a computer screen shot showing a series of cascadingmenu options available when a user selects one of the program choicesunder the screen of FIG. 10.

[0032]FIG. 12 is a computer screen shot showing a series of cascadingmenu options available when the user selects another program option.

[0033]FIG. 13 is a computer screen shot showing a portion of thecomputer screen of FIG. 10 with another package selected.

[0034]FIG. 14 is a computer screen shot showing a reduced number ofoptions under cascaded menus based on the package selected under FIG.13.

[0035]FIG. 15 is a computer screen shot showing a portion of theelectronic form of FIG. 3 with a drop-down menu listing anti-reflectivecoating options available.

[0036]FIG. 16 is a computer screen shot showing a series of menus forselecting a type of frame under another program choice.

[0037]FIG. 17A is a computer screen shot showing an alternative to FIG.16, with numerous frame options depicted.

[0038]FIG. 17B is a computer screen shot showing an alternative to FIG.17A, where the lab is to supply lenses only.

[0039]FIG. 18 is a computer screen shot showing a frame trace module formanipulating and inputting digitized data files reflecting lens shapes.

[0040]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for generating anelectronic order and transmitting it to a remote computer.

[0041]FIG. 20 is a computer screen shot showing an example of minimalframe information being provided in the form of FIG. 3.

[0042]FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are computer screen shots showing a frametrace setup module for initializing compatibility between a frame tracerand the electronic form of FIG. 3.

[0043]FIG. 22 is a computer screen shot showing a series of menu optionsfrom a pull down File menu.

[0044]FIG. 23 is a computer screen shot showing a lens graphic.

[0045]FIG. 24 is a computer screen shot showing a pull down Reports andBulletins menu.

[0046]FIG. 25 is a computer screen shot showing a pull down Setup menu.

[0047]FIG. 26 is a computer screen shot of an account maintenancescreen.

[0048]FIG. 27 is a computer screen shot of a lab maintenance screen.

[0049]FIG. 28 is a computer screen shot of a remote entry optionsscreen.

[0050]FIG. 29 is a computer screen shot of an order inquiry screen.

[0051]FIG. 30 is a computer screen shot of an example of an order recordselected from the screen of FIG. 29.

[0052]FIG. 31 is a computer screen shot of an order inquiry searchscreen.

[0053]FIG. 32 is a computer screen shot of an alternative order entryscreen.

[0054] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notnecessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

[0055] In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify identical orsubstantially similar elements or acts. To easily identify thediscussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digitor digits in a reference number refer to the Figure number in which thatelement is first introduced (e.g., element 1104 is first introduced anddiscussed with respect to FIG. 11).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] As described herein, a method is provided for efficientlyentering a product order, such as an order for lenses or eyewear. Astand-alone computer, or a computer connected to a network, presents toa user or operator an electronic order form into which the user inputsdata for the particular order. Importantly, a database associated withthe computer stores available combinations for a particular manufactureror lab, thus preventing the user from ordering a combination of productsor services that are unavailable from the particular manufacturer or labselected. Further, a series of menus provide a quick and intuitive userinput method for completing the form.

[0057] In one embodiment described below, a series of cascading menuspresent lens ordering options to users or operators. As operators maketheir lens selections, the next connected window only shows products andservices available for the item just selected. The menus are structuredso that the operator cannot make a selection that leads to a dead-end,and the result (final selection) causes the data (all selected items) tobe entered on the form. This keeps the entire order visible to theoperator and speeds the process. The process is especially efficientbecause the products may be portrayed with the most commonly used (forthat laboratory) or preferred items first. So a typical “connection” orselection is accomplished by moving across the screen horizontally as inthe following examples, thereby making data entry a very quickprocedure. This process is accomplished visibly through the connected“cascading menu” entry and supported “invisibly” by a file structure foreach laboratory, to thereby ensure correct ordering of lens product,service frame product and special marketing programs.

[0058] While the process may be performed on a single, stand-alonecomputer, an alternative embodiment employs a series of networkedcomputers to provide additional advantages. For example, a computer atan ECP's office may be connected to the Internet, so that an operatorplacing an order may electronically transmit the completed order form toa desired lab via the Internet. Furthermore, a lab, or a server operatedby a third party maintaining software to permit the order entry process,may manipulate or update the database by, e.g., identifying valid linkedcombinations of products or providing software upgrades. Through theInternet, this server computer communicates with computers at the labs,manufacturing locations, ECP offices, etc. Thus, the server computer, inone alternative embodiment, may act as a web server that serves up webpages to the various computers to permit order entry by ECPs oroperators, and order placement to labs, using a worldwide web interface.

[0059] In a broad sense, aspects of the invention embody acomputer-implemented method for ordering products between a usercomputer and a vendor computer over a geographically distributedtelecommunications network. The method includes: providing an orderentry screen, including a menu select option; providing at least a firstproduct menu in response to receiving input selecting the menu selectoption, wherein the first product menu simultaneously provides a list ofproduct styles; providing at least a second product menu in response toreceiving input selecting a desired product style from the first productmenu, wherein the second product menu simultaneously provides a list ofmaterials available based on the selected product style; receiving inputselecting a desired product material; and providing an electronic order,wherein the electronic order includes the selected product style andmaterial.

[0060] The invention will now be described with respect to variousembodiments. The following description provides specific details for athorough understanding of, and enabling description for, theseembodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art willunderstand that the invention may be practiced without these details. Inother instances, well known structures and functions have not been shownor described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptionof the embodiments of the invention.

[0061]FIGS. 2A-2C and the following discussion provide a brief, generaldescription of suitable computing environments in which aspects of theinvention can be implemented. Although not required, aspects andembodiments of the invention will be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a generalpurpose computer, e.g., a server or personal computer. Those skilled inthe relevant art will appreciate that the invention can be practicedwith other computer system configurations, including Internetappliances, hand-held devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobilephones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmableconsumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers,mainframe computers and the like. The invention can be embodied in aspecial purpose computer or data processor that is specificallyprogrammed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of thecomputer-executable instructions explained in detail below. Indeed, theterm “computer”, as used generally herein, refers to any of the abovedevices, as well as any data processor.

[0062] The invention can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments, where tasks or modules are performed by remote processingdevices, which are linked through a dial-up connection or communicationsnetwork, such as a Local Area Network (“LAN”), Wide Area Network (“WAN”)or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modulesor sub-routines may be located in both local and remote memory storagedevices. Aspects of the invention described below may be stored ordistributed on computer-readable media, including magnetic and opticallyreadable and removable computer discs, stored as firmware in chips(e.g., EEPROM chips), as well as distributed electronically over theInternet or over other networks (including wireless networks). Thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize that portions of theinvention may reside on a server computer, while corresponding portionsreside on a client computer. Data structures and transmission of dataparticular to aspects of the invention are also encompassed within thescope of the invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the invention employs acomputer 200, such as a personal computer or workstation, having one ormore processors 201 coupled to one or more user input devices 202 anddata storage devices 204. The computer is also coupled to at least oneoutput device such as a display device 206 and one or more optionaladditional output devices 208 (e.g., printer, plotter, speakers, tactileor olfactory output devices, etc.). The computer may be coupled toexternal computers, such as via an optional network connection 210(e.g., a modem or network interface card), a wireless transceiver 212,or both.

[0064] The input devices 202 may include a keyboard and/or a pointingdevice such as a mouse. Other input devices are possible such as amicrophone, joystick, pen, game pad, scanner, digital camera, videocamera, and the like. Importantly, one input device may be a frametracer or digitizing tablet for inputting to the computer 200 datareflecting a lens geometry associated with a particular eyeglass frame.Examples include the Tracer, manufactured by HOYA of Tokyo, Japan, WECOof Dusseldorf, Germany, or the DVI GeoTrace (“GT”) tablet, availablefrom Digital Vision, Inc. of Portland, Oreg.

[0065] The data storage devices 204 may include any type ofcomputer-readable media that can store data accessible by the computer200, such as magnetic hard and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives,magnetic cassettes tape drives, flash memory cards, digital video disks(DVDs), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Indeed, anymedium for storing or transmitting computer-readable instructions anddata may be employed, including a connection port to a network such as alocal area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or the Internet (notshown in FIG. 2A).

[0066] Aspects of the invention may be practiced in a variety of othercomputing environments. Referring to FIG. 2B, the computer 200 (shown inFIG. 2B as user computer 2222) is coupled to one or more lab computers227 by way of a network 226. In this first example, the network 226 isthe public switch telephone network (PSTN), and the user and labcomputers 222 and 227 exchange communications by way of modems.

[0067] In a second example, a distributed computing environment with aweb interface includes one or more user computers 222 in a system 220,each of which includes a browser program module 224 that permits thecomputer to access and exchange data with the Internet 226, includingweb sites within the World Wide Web portion of the Internet. The usercomputers may include one or more central processing units or otherlogic-processing circuitry, memory, input devices (e.g., keyboards andpointing devices), output devices (e.g., display devices and printers),and storage devices (e.g., magnetic, fixed and floppy disk drives, andoptical disk drives), such as described above with respect to FIG. 2A.User computers may include other program modules such as an operatingsystem, one or more application programs (e.g., order entry applications[if performed locally], word processing or spread sheet applications),and the like. The user computers 222 include wireless computers, such asmobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA's), palm-top computers,etc., which communicate with the Internet via a wireless link.

[0068] The one or more lab computers 227 communicate with the usercomputer 2222 directly over the Internet or via a server computer 2228.The lab computers 227 may be associated with any manufacturer or serviceprovider with which the user computer places an electronic order forspecialized goods, services. The at least one server computer 2228,coupled to the Internet or World Wide Web (“Web”) 226, performs much orall of the functions for receiving, routing and storing of electronicmessages, such as web pages, audio signals, electronic images, orelectronic forms. While the Internet is shown, a private network, suchas an intranet may likewise be used herein. The computer 2228 hosts aweb site, such as “http://www.DVIRx.com,” which the user computers 222access via their browser modules 224.

[0069] A database 230, coupled to the server computer, stores much ofthe web pages and content exchanged between the user computers. In thedepicted embodiment, the database 230 stores all data regarding each labusing the electronic order entry system, and all valid combinations ofproducts that an operator may order. The database 230 may have a“prescription in process” database representing all orders produced bythe user computers 222 and executed on by the lab computers 227, as wellas current executable program updates for order entry, current labproduct selections provided by labs running the lab computers, and jobstatus databases provided by the lab computers that reflect currentstatus of pending orders or “jobs” (all described below). In analternative embodiment, much of this data also is stored on the clientcomputers.

[0070] In the depicted embodiment, the database 230 stores all dataregarding each lab using the electronic order entry system, and allvalid combinations of products that an operator may order. In analternative embodiment, much of this data is additionally or alternatelystored on the client computers. The server computer, including thedatabase, may employ security measures to inhibit malicious attacks onthe system, and to preserve integrity of the messages and data storedtherein (e.g., firewall systems, secure socket layers (SSL) passwordprotection schemes, encryption, and the like).

[0071] The server computer 2228 includes a server engine 232, a web pagemanagement component 234, a content management component 236 and adatabase management component 238. The server engine performs basicprocessing and operating system level tasks. The web page managementcomponent handles creation and display or routing of web pages. Usersmay access the server computer by means of a URL associated therewith.The content management component handles most of the functions in theembodiments described herein. The database management component includesstorage and retrieval tasks with respect to the database, queries to thedatabase, and storage of data such as electronic forms completed by anoperator that are to be, or have been, transmitted to a lab.

[0072] In one embodiment the client computer locally stores the order inan associated database, and the order entry application directlytransmits completed order forms to a lab computer. Thus, the usercomputer stores locally all electronic orders. Under an alternativeembodiment, an operator at the user computer 222 transmits a completedform first to the server computer 228, which in turn then routes thecompleted form to the appropriate lab computer 227. In this alternativeembodiment, the server computer may perform an additional check on theorder before sending it to the lab, and retain copies of the order forfuture reference by the operator.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2C, an alternative embodiment to the system 220is shown as a system 250. The system 250 is substantially similar to thesystem 220, but includes more than one web server computer (shown asserver computers 1, 2, . . . J). A web load balancing system 252balances load on the several web server computers. Load balancing is atechnique well-known in the art for distributing the processing loadbetween two or more computers, to thereby more efficiently processinstructions and route data. Such a load balancer can distribute messagetraffic, particularly during peak traffic times.

[0074] A distributed file system 254 couples the web servers to severaldatabases (shown as databases 1, 2 . . . K). A distributed file systemis a type of file system in which the file system itself manages andtransparently locates pieces of information (e.g., content pages) fromremote files or databases and distributed files across the network, suchas a LAN. The distributed file system also manages read and writefunctions to the databases.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 18, representative computer displaysor web pages will now be described with respect to entering an order,which in the depicted example, is for an eyewear prescription. Thescreens may be implemented in C++ or as web pages under XML (ExtensibleMarkup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language) scripts thatprovide information to a user. The screens or web pages providefacilities to receive input data, such as a form with fields to befilled in, pull-down menus or entries allowing one or more of severaloptions to be selected, buttons, sliders, or other known user interfacetools for receiving user input. For example, while cascading menu waysof displaying information to users is shown and described herein, thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize that various otheralternatives may be employed. The terms “screen,” “web page” and “page”are generally used interchangeably herein. While C++, XML and HTML aredescribed, various other methods of creating displayable data may beemployed, such as the Wireless Access Protocol (“WAP”).

[0076] When implemented as web pages, the screens are stored as displaydescriptions, graphical user interfaces, or other methods of depictinginformation on a computer screen (e.g., commands, links, fonts, colors,layout, sizes and relative positions, and the like), where the layoutand information or content to be displayed on the page is stored in adatabase. In general, a “link” refers to any resource locatoridentifying a resource on a network, such as a display descriptionprovided by an organization having a site or node on the network. A“display description,” as generally used herein, refers to any method ofautomatically displaying information on a computer screen in any of theabove-noted formats, as well as other formats, such as email orcharacter/code-based formats, algorithm-based formats (e.g., vectorgenerated), or matrix or bit-mapped formats. While aspects of theinvention are described herein using a networked environment, some orall features may be implemented within a single-computer environment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of an electronic order entry formis shown as a form 300. Unless described otherwise herein, the fieldsdepicted in FIG. 3 (and the other figures), and associated functions arewell known or described in detail in the above cross-referencedprovisional patent applications. Indeed, much of the detaileddescription provided herein is explicitly disclosed in the provisionalpatent applications; much of the additional material of aspects of theinvention will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art asbeing inherent in the detailed description provided in such provisionalpatent applications, or well known to those skilled in the relevant art.Those skilled in the relevant art can implement aspects of the inventionbased on the Figures and the detailed description provided in theprovisional patent applications.

[0078] Many of the melds shown correspond to fields or blanks on aeyeglass prescription order. Even though numerous fields are displayed,not all need be used on a given order, and operators may find that theynever use some fields. Each laboratory utilizes an almost identicalscreen. (Note: the terms “operator” and “user” are used interchangeablyherein.)

[0079] The electronic form 300 is generally divided into severalportions or sections: an ECP section, a prescription section, a lenssection, a coating section, a frame section, and an additional servicessection. The ECP section includes a patient field 302 for inputting thename of a patient associated with an order to be placed, and aprescription number field 304 that may reflect a number associated by anECP for that particular patient or patient's prescription. An accountfield 306 allows an office to differentiate between accounts, such asseparate accounts for different optometrists sharing an office. A labfield 308 allows the operator to select one of several lens labs, and isdescribed below with respect to FIG. 7.

[0080] A prescription section 310 allows an operator to input standardinformation regarding a prescription, such as sphere, cylinder and axis.Additionally, the operator may input a pupil distance in “Dist” and“Near” fields. A “Form” field (with drop-down choices) allow theoperator to explain how pupil distance is measured for a particularprescription. An enclosed or “Enc” field with drop-down menu choicesallows the operator to indicate whether a lens is enclosed. For example,if a patient is blind in one eye, a balance lens may be ordered. Thein/out and up/down prism values (“I/O Prism and U/D Prism”) fields arealso provided for a prescription.

[0081] A lens section 312 likewise includes many standard fields forspecifying lenses for the prescription. Such fields include a lensstyle, lens material and lens color, all with drop-down menus that aredescribed below. For multifocals, an “add” field is provided. An ECPthen also specifies a segment height (in a “Seght” field) to specify aposition of the bifocal. Thickness (“Thck”) and edge or center (“E/C”)fields allow an operator to specify thickness of a lens, and whether thethickness is measured at the edge or center of that lens. Height of theoptical center (“Ocht”) and from where it is measured (“Mode”) fieldsfurther allow the operator to specify a prescription. Finally, a furtheradd field (“Ad2”) field allow the operator to specify additional addvalues, which may be provided for certain vocational lenses.

[0082] Importantly, in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, left and rightlens select buttons 314 are provided. By clicking on these buttons (orusing drop-down menus from the Lens Style, Material or Color fields), anoperator may access a series of cascading menus and select optionstherefrom to quickly specify lenses for a prescription.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4A, the operator has selected “Aspheric SV” in alens type or style menu 402. The lens style menu 402 includes otheroptions available to the operator for the particular lab specified inthe lab field 308, including Progressive, Intermediate Progressive,Short Corridor Progressive, Single Vision, Aspheric Multifocal, andothers shown in FIG. 4A. Having selected the “Aspheric SV” choice inmenu 402, the system provides a menu of lens venders or manufacturers404. As shown, the user chose a generic Aspheric SV lens, although theuser may have selected other brands of Aspheric SV lenses. Havingselected the lens manufacturer, the user selects a material from whichthe lens is constructed in a lens material menu 406. As shown, while theuser has selected a middle index (“Mid-ldx”) lens, the user may haveselected plastic, glass, polycarbonate (“Poly”), high index (“Hi-ldx”),or photochromatic (“Photoch”). Each of the lens material choices furtherinclude sub choices in a material sub choice menu 408. As shown, havingselected a middle index lens, the user has chosen model “H56 plasticindex 1.560”, although a “H53 1.530 plastic” choice is also availablefrom the selected lab. Finally, the user selects a color from a colormenu 410. In this case, only clear plastic is available, and thus is theonly option shown in the lens color menu 410. After having selected allof these choices in a series of cascading menus shown in FIG. 4A, thesystem automatically completes the lens selection portion of the form300, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0084]FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of different menu options availablewhen the operator selects different lenses in the lens type menu 402.For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator has selected a ShortCorridor Progressive lens, and thus the system then presents theoperator with a greater number of options in the manufacturer menu 404than those shown in FIG. 4 for Aspheric SV. However, after selecting DCMINI PRO brand lenses, such lenses are only available in clearpolycarbonate, and thus only a single choice is available in menus 406,408 and 410. However, in the example of FIG. 5, since the prescriptionis bifocals, an add menu 502 is provided to permit the operator to inputthe bifocal strength.

[0085]FIG. 6 shows yet another example similar to FIGS. 4 and 5. In thisexample, the operator selects a “bifocal” lens type in lens type menu402, which corresponds to 5 brands available by the lab under themanufacturer menu 404. As shown, the operator has selected a High Indexpolarized lens having a brown color.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, an example of the electronic form 300 isshown with a drop-down menu of labs for the lab field 308. Using thedrop-down menu of labs shown in FIG. 7, the operator may select one ofseveral different labs to process the prescription. When selecting alab, an icon 702 is displayed on the electronic form 300 to furtherindicate to the operator the particular lab selected. Further, the icon702 provides advertising for the lab itself. Importantly, when a lab isselected, choices available for lenses, coatings and other options underthe form are restricted to those provided by that lab. As a result, anoperator may not order a product not provided by that lab.

[0087] Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the lab “Sutherlin Optical” providesone series of progressive lens brands in the lens manufacturer menu 404.As shown in FIG. 9, a lab “Carl Zeiss of Canada” provides a differentseries of lens brands in the lens manufacturer menu 404 for progressivelenses. For example, Sutherlin Optical provides “HYPERVIEW” which CarlZeiss of Canada does not, while Carl Zeiss of Canada provides “LIFE2”,but Sutherlin Optical does not. Furthermore, each lab may specify howlens brands are listed in the lens manufacturer menu 404. A lab, forexample, may list brands in decreasing order of the lab's preference,from top to bottom. Alternatively, they may list lenses in anotherorder, such as those most preferred by the lab, those that are mostpopular, etc.

[0088] Referring back to FIG. 3, a coating section 316 provides variouslens coating options available by a given lab specified in the lab field308. Lens coatings include antireflective (“AR”), ultraviolet (“UV”),scratch resistant (“SCR”) and any other coatings available. Drop-downmenus associated with these coatings correspond to various manufacturersor lens coating types. For example, FIG. 15 shows an example of fouranti-reflective coatings available when a drop-down menu buttonassociated with the AR field is selected. The drop-down list will onlydisplay coating options available with previously selected lens styleand materials. The lab selected controls the order in which coatings aredisplayed in the drop-down coating menu. A tint field allows theoperator to specify whether the lenses are to be tinted. A “DintDescription” field allows the operator to specify a color and hue of thetint to be applied, such as “rose-15” or “grey-3”.

[0089] A frame description section 318 allows the operator to specifythe frames associated with a prescription. As explained below, a framebutton 320 allows the operator to select a frame from a series ofcascading menus, in a manner similar to that for the lens select buttons314. Most of the frame fields are standard. For example, the operatormay specify a frame in a “Frame” field, or specify a frame type from adrop-down menu associated to the left of the frame field. A dropdownmenu box next to the “Frame” field provides a frame status. The userutilizes the frame status field to specify whether the lab should supplythe frame, the ECP will send the frame to the lab (frame to come), orwhether the ECP desires the lab to send lenses only, as explainedherein. Likewise, the operator may identify frames using the followingfields: manufacturer field (“Mfr”), color field, eye size field (“Eye”),bridge size (“Bridge”), temple size (“Templ Sz”), temple style (“TemplStyle”) and frame type (“Ftyp”, which can refer to different types offrames, such as sunglass type). The operator may select an edge type forthe frame using an “Etyp” field, which may correspond to edges that arerounded, grooved, etc. Further, the operator may select a material fromwhich the frame is constructed using a “Mat” field. At a minimum, anoperator may specify horizontal and vertical diameters (“A” and “B”), alongest diameter of the frame (“ED”), a distance between lenses (“DBL”),and a circumference of the lens (“Csize”).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 20, an example of a partially completed form300 shows effectively a minimum amount of information that the systemrequires a user to complete in the frame description section 318. Asshown, the frame is listed as “unknown,” but the following fields arecompleted: I, Bridge, A, B, ED, DBL, and Etyp. As also shown in FIG. 20,a dropdown edge type menu 2002 is shown which lists available edge typesfor the selected lab. In this example, grooved (GD) is selected by theuser.

[0091] The operator may also input a trace of the frame or demonstrationlens by clicking a “Trace Frame” button 322. Inputting a frame trace tobe appended as a digital file with the completed electronic form 300 isdescribed below with respect to FIG. 18.

[0092] An additional services section 324 allows the operator toidentify additional services the lab is to perform with respect to agiven prescription. Each lab will have its own specific choices providedunder drop-down menus in a “Services” field, such as being able topolish edges of a lens. A “Service Descriptions” field allow theoperator to input any additional information necessary for theprescription to be communicated to the lab with the order.

[0093] The electronic form 300 includes additional information regardinglenses and order status. A “Edge” field has an associated drop-down menuthat allows the operator to choose a default selected by the accountidentified in the field 306, or select between uncut, edged and mounted,or edged and not mounted for the order being completed. The operator mayalso select the blank size from which lenses are created by selectingright (“R”) and left (“L”) blank size (“Bsize”), and the base curve(“Base”).

[0094] A “Ship” field provides an indication of an expected ship datefor the lab specified in the lab field 308. A drop-down menu buttonassociated with the ship field displays a calendar (not shown) with theexpected ship date highlighted. The operator may select a differentdate, which may be communicated to the lab. By selecting a differentdate, a checkbox to the left of the date in the Ship field is selected(otherwise it is left blank for a default expected date). The lab maythen flag such an order and possibly communicate back to the operatorordering the lenses to confirm whether a ship date is possible. A“status” field indicates whether either an order is in process (with an“I” value), or has been shipped (indicated by a “S” value).

[0095] The electronic form 300 includes buttons to permit order entryand status checking. A save button 330 allows the operator to save apartially or fully completed form, while a cancel button 332 allows theoperator to cancel completion of a form and clear all fields. A forcefield 334 allows the operator to force a particular selection in a fieldwhere the system prohibits such an entry.

[0096] A new job button 336 allows the operator to start a new form,while an edit job button 338 allows the operator to select from severalsaved forms to edit. A copy button 340 allows the operator to copy afully or partially completed form into a new form. Previous and nextbuttons 342 and 344, respectively, allow the operator to move through aseries of saved forms. An order look-up button 346 allows the operatorto request status on pending orders, as described below.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 10, a package field 1002 includes a drop-downmenu of various promotional packages or optical plan packages providedby the lab specified in the lab field 308. Many laboratories havemarketing programs (“packages”) in place to encourage ECPs or “accounts”to buy certain combinations of lenses/frames. A frequent example of thiswould be children's programs where certain frames are included in theprice of a polycarbonate (lens material) lens. A frequent error madehere is that the user does not know what the “package” availability isand thus orders products outside the program without knowing.

[0098] As shown in the example of FIG. 10, the operator is selecting a“Maryland Medical Assistance” package, which is associated with a seriesof restricted options available under that program. The program may beassociated with a particular insurance plan, and as shown in FIG. 10 hasan associated designator “MD.” Shown in FIG. 11, if the operator chosetrifocal lens type in the lens type field 402, only two brands areavailable in the manufacturer menu 404, and two types of materials inthe material menu 406 for the MD package. Compare this to the choicesavailable in FIG. 6 (albeit for bifocals) for the same specified lab. Asanother example, FIG. 12 shows options available when the operatorselects the “360 Complete” package (designated by “3R”), which providesfor only progressive, short corridor or progressive and aspheric SVlenses. Under progressive, only four brands are available (as comparedto ten brands available as shown in FIG. 8 [albeit for a differentlab]). FIG. 13 shown another example of the operator selecting a KansasMedicaid package “KM,” while FIG. 14 shows how, under this package,options for bifocals lenses are restricted.

[0099] In effect, by selecting any particular package or promotion underthe package field 1002, the system restricts the number of optionsprovided in the cascading menus. Certain manufacturers may offerpromotions to labs. For example, a Carl Zeiss may offer a promotion onlens coatings to labs to try to convince labs to purchase more from themthan from competitors. The labs may take advantage of this promotion byadding such a promotion to their offerings as presented to the operatorwhen that lab is selected in the lab field 308. Thus, if a ECP selectsthe Zeiss promotional package, then only coatings offered by Zeiss willbe provided in the coating portion 316.

[0100] When the operator selects a package in the package field 1002,the system not only ensures that the operator selects products andoptions provided by the selected lab, but also ensures that the productcombination is available under the particular package program. Thesystem may thus check for compatibility under the program for thefollowing fields: lens style, lens material, lens color, lens coats,lens tints and frame. For example, the AM package shown in FIGS. 13 and14 allows only two bifocal lens types and does not allow high-index orphotochanging materials.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 16, when the operator selects the frame selectbutton 320, the system provides a frame option box 1602. The frameoption box allows the operator to select whether the lab is to supplythe frame (option “S”), whether the order applies to lenses only (option“L”), or whether the operator will later send the frame (option “N”). Ifthe lab is to supply the frame (options “S”), then the system presentsto the operator a frame vendor menu 1604. Based on the manufacturerselected, the system presents a vendor's product menu 1606, a frame eyesize menu 1608, a bridge size menu 1610, a color menu 1612, a templesize menu 1616, and a temple style menu 1616. If the lab will not besupplying the frame, some information, such as temple specifications, isirrelevant, and the system does not ask the operator to provide thisinformation. In the example of FIG. 16, the Alabama Medicaid package(“AL”) is selected in the package field 1002, and thus only six brandsof frames are provided in the manufacturer menu 1604.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 17A, if no package is selected, and the lab isto supply the frame, then the choice of frames is greatly increased. Asshown in FIG. 17A, the manufacturer menu 1604 includes numerous brandsof frames provided by the selected lab. In the example of FIG. 17A,since the lab is supplying the frame, the system requires the user toselect options from all menus 1604 through 1614 for, in this example, aparticular “Bill Blass” frame. However, if the lab is to provide thelenses only, the use need only supply certain information. Thus as shownin FIG. 17B, the user has requested the lab to supply only the lensesfor the same Bill Blass frame selected in FIG. 17A, and thus the userneed only complete the frame vendor menu 1604, vendor's product menu1606, frame eye size menu 1608 and bridge size menu 1610. If the userwere to enclose the frame with the order, the user may also wish tocomplete the “color” field noted above.

[0103] As noted above, the system integrates with frame tracers or framedigitizers that provide electronic files representing the geometry of alens or frame to receive a lens. Many frame tracers are available, andthe system provides modules for each, such that the user computer 100 or202 may import files from such tracers and append them to a completedelectronic form 300. When the operator selects the frame trace button322, the system first determines whether frame tracing has beeninitialized. If not, then the system provides a series of menus topermit the operator to set up and integrate frame-tracing functionalitywith the electronic order system described herein. Referring to FIG.21A, the system provides a menu 2102 that lists various frame tracers ina drop down menu 2104, and the operator may select the appropriate frametracer from the menu. After selecting the appropriate frame tracer fromthe drop down menu 2104, the user may select a communication port on thecomputer, any port options associated with that port, frame and patternlens circumference adjustments, distance between the lenses (DBL)adjustment, and horizontal and vertical reference cross measurements, asshown in FIG. 21B.

[0104] Once selected, the system then launches the appropriateframe-tracing module. For example, if the user has the digitizer tabletDVI GeoTrace “GT” digitizer by Digital Vision, Inc., then the systempresents screen 1800 as shown in FIG. 18. The operator may trace ademonstration lens or the interior geometry of a frame, which then isdisplayed as a frame trace 1801. The operator may then select up or downaxis adjustment buttons 1802 or 1804, respectively, to move across-hairs axis 1805 to center the digitized lens geometry. A mirrorbutton 1806 allows the operator to rotate or flip the image displayed,so that it is shown right side up. The system automatically generateslens measurements A, B, DBL and lens circumference “Cir” (whichcorresponds to “Csize” in the form 300). The system may automaticallyinput these values to the appropriate fields in the form 300.

[0105] The buttons 1802, 1804 and 1806 permit the operator to quicklytrace a lens or frame and not require it to be centered. The lens can beupside down or backwards, and with the help of these buttons, theoperator can orient the digitized image appropriately. The systemportrays on the computer (in screen 1800) the left and right lenses inactual size, so that the operator can see whether the lenses had beendigitized correctly. Thus, the screen 1800 provides a graphical userinterface for the operator to accurately capture frame trace data forimport to an electronic order.

[0106] The frame trace module includes additional functionality, whichis depicted in FIG. 18. A RefCross button 1808 provides a method toscale the graphic depiction to a particular screen. A Setup button 1810allows the user to enter values after selecting the RefCross button 1808to scale graphics. A Re-Trace button 1812 allows the user to start over,while a Process button 1814 allows the user to store point data as adigitized frame trace file that can be appended to an electronic order.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 19, an example of process flow under oneembodiment of the system described herein will now be provided as aroutine 1900. Beginning in block 1902, the operator initializes theelectronic order entry process 1900 stored on the user computer 222.During initialization, the user computer 222 accesses via the Internet226, the lab computers 227 and server computer 208 to receive and storelocally any updates (FIG. 2A). For example, one or more labs with whichthe user computer places orders may have added or removed certainproducts or offerings. Thus, after receiving such an update, the usercomputer will no longer show those options to the operator in the form300 when that lab is selected. Likewise, the server computer 208 mayprovide any software updates so that the user computer is executing themost current version of the electronic ordering software.

[0108] In block 1904, the process 1900 receives user input to theelectronic form 300. The electronic form 300 may be a new form that theuser selects. Alternatively, the user may select an archived form (suchas a form previously completed for the same patient), and edit that formto create a new form.

[0109] In block 1906, the process 1900, via the user computer,optionally receives frame trace data. The functionality provided underblock 1906 is provided when the operator selects the frame trace button322 and inputs to the process a frame trace file generated from a frametracer or digitizer.

[0110] In block 1908, the process 1900, via the user computer receivesuser input that the order is complete and is to be transmitted to theselected lab. Once the lab computer 227 receives the electronic order,it retrieves from its database (not shown) the status of orders pendingfor the particular account specified in the account field 306. Statusinformation regarding these pending orders is then transmitted back tothe user computer 222. The operator may then view status informationregarding pending orders by selecting the Order Lookup button 346.

[0111] In block 1910, the routine 1900 archives transmitted orders. Theuser may be prompted with a dialog box that asks the user how long theorder is to be archived. Alternatively, the routine 1900 may ask theuser when initially set up for a default time period during whichtransmitted orders are to be archived. The orders may be archivedlocally at the user computer. Local archiving permits the user computerto rapidly retrieve archived orders requested by the user.

[0112] In one embodiment, much of the functionality provided under theroutine 1900 is stored locally at the user computer 222. Thus, the usercomputer 222 has associated therewith a database (not shown) thatcontains information regarding all of the products and offeringsprovided by each lab with which the operators of the user computer dobusiness. As explained above, the electronic order entry system onlypermits the operator to enter valid orders reflecting products andservices provided by a selected lab or manufacturer. In this embodiment,completed forms are also stored locally, as well as any downloadedsoftware upgrades or order status information. Under this embodiment,the routine 1900 may be implemented in C++, although it may beimplemented in, for example, XML, HTML or web-based programming.

[0113] Under an alternative embodiment, much of the functionalityprovided under the routine 1900 resides at the server computer 228. Inthis alternative embodiment, the user computer employs a “thin client”and the browser to access the electronic order entry functionality underthe routine 1900 at the server computer 228. Under this alternativeembodiment, the electronic order form 300 and other screens providedherein may be implemented in HTML or other appropriate display languagesor scripts. The server computer 208 receives updates to products andservices provided by labs associated with the lab computer 227 andstores such data in the database 230. The database 230 (or otherdatabases described herein) includes linked tables associated with eachlab to identify products and services provided by that lab. Such linkedtables permit only valid orders to be entered via the series of cascadedmenus (or other order entry). A possible drawback to this alternative isthat it may require more robust computing and telecommunicationresources at the user computer, so that the user computer may has readyaccess to the server computer 208 via the Internet 226.

[0114] Additional features and functionality of the electronic orderplacement system will now be described. Referring to FIG. 22, a dropdown “File” menu 2202 is shown. In addition to standard functionsprovided under the Microsoft Windows system, the system provides thefollowing additional functions. The “Print” option allows the system toprint a “job ticket.” The job ticket is effectively a printed screenshot of the electronic form 300, but with frame shape data included(shown in FIG. 23). The frame shape may be used by some ECPs because itincludes lens marking instructions. The user may then use the printedjob ticket for record keeping purposes. A “Frame Packing Slip” prints aform, similar to a screen shot of a completed form to wrap around aframe that may be sent later to a lab to whom electronic orders hadpreviously been placed. This allows the lab to readily unite the framewith the order pending in that lab.

[0115] A “View Graphic” option allows the system to display an actualsize graphic of a lens order showing frame shape, distance of theoptical center and near point, as shown in FIG. 23. A “Transmit” optionallows the user to send unsent electronic orders and retrieve status oforders, bulletins, lab data updates (regarding new and discontinuedproducts), and program updates to the system.

[0116] A “Run Close Down” option moves all electronic orders that havebeen completed (although may not necessarily have been filled by a lab)to a local database for archiving. The system may automatically archivesuch forms, in addition to this function. A “Load Data Disk” optionallows the user to import old or archived orders from disk into thesystem.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 24, an example of a Reports and Bulletins dropdown menu 2402 is shown. An Application Hilites option allows the userto display highlights regarding recent updates or releases to systemsoftware. The lab can also provide marketing and promotional informationin the form of a bulletin. FIG. 24 shows from the pull down menu anexample of a lab, “Sample Vision” having provided a customized bulletinto its customers. Thus, the Application Hilites function allows thethird party and server computer 208 to provide communications or postsfor the user, while the lab bulletin function allows a lab to do similarnotifications or posts via the lab computer.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 25, an example of a Setup pull down menu 2502is shown. By selecting an “Accounts” option in the Setup menu 2502, thesystem displays an account maintenance screen, such as that shown inFIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 26, a screen 2602 displays one or moreindividuals or accounts that may use the system. As noted above, oneoffice may employ the system, with several operators at that officeretaining separate accounts on the system. The screen 2602 allows a userto set a default, as well as add, modify and delete account users-of thesystem.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 27, if a user selects a “Labs” option in theSetup menu 2502, the system displays a lab maintenance screen 2702. Asshown in the lab maintenance screen 2702, several labs to whom the usermay transmit electronic orders are shown. Using buttons at a bottom ofthe screen 2702, the user may set a default, as well as add, modify anddelete labs listed in the screen. A “Member Accts” button displaysaccounts defined on the customer's computer and allows them to makevarious accounts a member of the selected lab.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 28, it the user selects a “Options” option inthe Setup menu 2502, the system displays a remote entry options screen2802. The remote entry options screen 2802 allows the user to set thefollowing default values: a default edge type, a default frame status, ajob ship option, number of days to keep jobs archived in the database,whether jobs are to be automatically printed when transmitted to a lab,whether a frame packing slip is to be automatically printed, atransmission method (e.g., modem or via the Internet), whether toautomatically generate incrementing prescription numbers in the Rx #field with each new order, a no frame database warning, and whether aframe digitizer is employed with the system. The default frame statusallows the ECP to assign a frame status (N—frame-to-follow, S—labsupply, E—enclosed, or L—lenses only) automatically to each job enteredin the frame status field noted above. The job shipped options are:

[0121] S—automatically mark that an electronic order has been shippedwhen the completed electronic order form 300 is sent to the lab, andthen archive the form (or flag for archiving),

[0122] R—mark that an electronic order has been shipped only when thecompleted electronic order form 300 is sent to the lab, the labacknowledges that the order was received, and the ECP provides input tothe system of this (and then archive the form (or flag for archiving)),

[0123] M—mark that an electronic order has been shipped only when theECP provides input to the system of this (and then archive the form (orflag for archiving)),

[0124] D—automatically mark that an electronic order has been shippedwhen the system receives an order update from the lab indicating thatthe order was shipped (and then archive the form (or flag forarchiving)).

[0125] The autoprinting of the fame packing slip can be set to “Y” whichwill print a frame packing slip for each electronic order or job, “N”which will suppress the printing of the fame packing slip for eachorder, or “Q” which causes the system to ask about such printing witheach order. The “no frame database warning” option allows the user toturn off and on a data entry warning that comes up if the user specifiesa frame combination that is not in the lab's frame database.

[0126] If the user selects a “Bridge” or “Web” option under the Setupmenu 2502, the system displays to the user one or more screens to permitthe user to setup parameters associated with modem or Internetcommunications under the system, respectively.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 29-31, order lookup functions will now bedescribed when the user selects the order lookup button 346. Referringto FIG. 29, an example of an order inquiry screen 2902 is shown. Thescreen includes order choice radio buttons 2902 that allow the user toselect between in process orders, archived orders, or view on-line orderstatuses from labs. By selecting one of these buttons, the systemperforms an inquiry of the order database and retrieves the recordsappropriate to the button selected. The user may then click a printbutton 2904 to print the retrieved database query. The user may alsoclick a refresh button 2906 to refresh the screen if changes have beenmade. As shown, each record is listed with the following data fields: aprescription number and patient, account and lab, status, lab invoice,and a job entered or ship date, with a number associated with the orderrecord. In an alternative embodiment, a user may click a heading for acolumn associated with any of the data fields to have the system sortretrieved records for display in the screen 2902.

[0128] In the example of FIG. 29, the user has selected a second orderlisted, and by so selecting, the system displays that particular record,which is shown as a screen 3002 in FIG. 30. The user may then edit orcopy that record by selecting buttons 338 or 340, or view previous ornext records by selecting buttons 342 or 344.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 31, the user may do a focused search of storedorder records by using a search button 3102, field name fields 3104 andfield entry fields 3106. As shown, the user may enter up to three fieldnames in the field name fields 3104 (such as “patient,” “Lab,” or otherfields in the form 300), as well as enter data associated with thatfield in the field entry fields 3106. A clear search button 3108 allowsthe user to clear a search. As shown in the example of FIG. 31, the userrequested the system to provide any in process orders where thepatient's name is “keane,” which shows a single entry retrieved.

[0130] The computer could periodically (e.g., every 15 minutes or once aday) access the lab computer 227 to determine the status of variouspending orders, and update the screen shown in FIG. 29. Furthermore, inan alternative embodiment, a patient or user could access order statusso that he or she could check on the status electronically, rather thanhaving it call his or her ECP to get this information.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 32, several alternatives to that describedabove will be described with respect to a screen similar to that shownin FIG. 17A. As shown, when a user accesses the vendor's product menu1606, a first option in the menu is a URL or vendor link 3202, which inthis case is a URL to a Bill Blass website showing and describingvarious frames manufactured by Bill Blass. Thus, while the link 3202shows “Bill Blass Frames,” the resolved link may be, for example,http://www.BillBlass.com/frames. By using the link 3202, the operatormay access one or more web pages provided by the manufacturer to viewinformation in images of frames displayed in the vendor product menu1606.

[0132] Likewise, while not shown, lens manufacturers may similarlyprovide links to their web sites or other information within the lensmanufacturer menu 404. Alternatively, or additionally, lensmanufacturers, frame manufacturers, or other vendors of materials andservices provided under the order entry screens shown herein may providepop-up ads. Such pop-up ads may be in separate windows displayed over acurrently displayed window. Such ads may provide additional informationregarding current products, new products, or special offers being made.For example, a lens coating manufacturer may be offering a special tocertain labs. The lab then may provide for a pop-up window advertisementfor such a promotion to operators using the system described herein.Furthermore, each package provided under the package field 1002 mayinclude a link to a page, file or other displayable information to allowthe operator to get additional information regarding each package andits offerings, benefits and limitations.

[0133] Under another alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 32, a billingportion 3204 allows the operator to insert one or more billing entitieswith respect to a given order. As shown, three billing entity fields3206 are provided, with drop-down menus to allow the operator to select,for example, the patient, or one or more health care or optical serviceinsurers. Other options are certainly possible to permit the operator toinsert additional information regarding billing, such as addresses,special billing instructions, etc.

[0134] Under another alternative embodiment, the electronic formincludes information with respect to optical equipment manufacturers.For example, a Surfacing Info link 3208 provides a link to one or moresurfacing equipment manufacturers, such as manufacturers for grinding,blocking and inspecting lenses, while a Finishing Info link 3210provides one or more links to web sites providing information onequipment for finishing lenses, such as edgers, tracers and blockers. Ina like manner, the frame trace button 322 may include links to frametrace equipment manufacturers so that the operator may obtaininformation regarding various frame tracing devices.

[0135] The system provided herein may integrate with surfacing andfinishing equipment. The form 300 may include a button (not shown)similar to the frame trace button 322, that the operator may select toview and import from surfacing/finishing equipment information to beincluded with an order. Thus, additional fields may be provided toaccept information on lens finishing so that such information may beprovided directly and electronically to such lens finishing equipment tofurther automate the lens processing process. Further, this wouldprohibit the operator from requesting lens processing options that areunavailable for certain lenses, frames, etc.

[0136] Under another alternative embodiment, the system provides for anediting engine or XML tool to permit an operator to enter an order underany system, and export it using the system described above. Such anediting engine would receive a file from any order entry system, formatit for compatibility with the system described above, and provide anynecessary feedback. For example, the order may have been entered with anumeric value outside of a required range. Alternatively, the ordercould request a product that is simply unavailable by a particular labor manufacturer. Thus, the tool provides feedback to the operator toensure that a final order output by the tool may be sent to the labwithout requiring a call back from the lab to clarify or correct anentry.

[0137] One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the conceptsof the invention can be used in various environments other than theInternet. For example, the concepts can be used in an electronic mailenvironment in which electronic mail forms and messages perform theorder entry system. In general, a display description may be in XMLformat, email format or any other format suitable for displayinginformation (including character/code-based formats, algorithm-basedformats (e.g., vector generated), and bitmapped formats). Also, variouscommunication channels may be used, such as a local area network, widearea network, or a point-to-point dial-up connection instead of theInternet. For example, with a dial-up connection, the user computers 222may communicate directly with the lab computers 227 in a batch mode,whereby multiple, accumulated orders are sent in a batch to the labcomputers, and the lab computers, in turn, drive back a batch ofmultiple status updates, inventory updates, etc. Alternatively, theservice computer 228 may operate as an application service provider(ASP) much of the partiality hosted by the server computer, and thenclient applications reside on the user and lab computers.

[0138] The server system may comprise any combination of hardware orsoftware that can support the above concepts. In particular, a webserver may actually include multiple computers. A client system maycomprise any combination of hardware and software that interacts withthe server system. The client systems may include television-basedsystems, Internet appliances and various other consumer products throughwhich auctions may be conducted, such as wireless computers (palm-based,wearable, mobile phones, etc.).

[0139] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when usedin this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and notto any particular portions of this application. When the claims use theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word coversall of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items inthe list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the itemsin the list.

[0140] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the inventionare not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, andexamples for, the invention are described above for illustrativepurposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scopeof the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. Theteachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the order entry system described herein. Theseand other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detaileddescription.

[0141] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described abovecan be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the abovereferences and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein byreference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, toemploy the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents andapplications described above to provide yet further embodiments of theinvention.

[0142] These and other changes can be made to the invention in light ofthe above detailed description. In general, the terms used in thefollowing claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to thespecific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the abovedetailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, theactual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments andall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention underthe claims.

[0143] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below incertain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects ofthe invention in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the invention is recited as embodied in a computer-readablemedium, other aspects may likewise be embodied in a computer-readablemedium. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additionalclaims after filing the application to pursue such additional claimforms for other aspects of the invention.

I/we claim:
 1. A system for ordering lens products from a lens vendor byeye care professionals (ECPs), wherein the system uses a geographicallydistributed telecommunications network, the system comprising: at leastone ECP computer; and a lens vendor computer wherein the ECP and lensvendor computers each have a communication facility for exchangingcommunications with each other over the telecommunications network; alens order entry facility for use by the ECP and lens vendor computers,wherein the lens order entry facility is configured to: provide a lensorder entry screen, including a lens select button and a frame selectbutton; receive ECP input regarding a particular patient's lensprescription; provide at least a first lens menu in response toreceiving ECP input selecting the lens select button, wherein the firstlens menu simultaneously provides a list of lens types; provide at leasta second lens menu in response to receiving ECP input selecting adesired lens type from the first lens menu, wherein the second lens menusimultaneously provides a list of materials available based on theselected lens type; receive ECP input selecting a desired lens material;provide at least a first frame menu in response to receiving ECP inputselecting the frame select button, wherein the first frame menusimultaneously provides a list of frame vendors; provide at least asecond frame menu in response to receiving ECP input selecting a desiredframe vendor from the first frame menu, wherein the second frame menusimultaneously provides a list of frame models available based on theselected frame vendor; receive ECP input selecting a desired framemodel; and provide to the vendor computer an electronic order, whereinthe electronic order includes the lens prescription with the selectedlens type and material, and selected frame vendor and model.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a frame trace device coupled tothe ECP computer, wherein the geographically distributedtelecommunications network is the world-wide web, wherein thecommunication facility includes a web browser, and wherein the lensorder entry facility is further configured to: provide an eyeglass frametrace button; in response to receiving ECP input selecting the frametrace button, providing at least a frame trace screen for importing aframe trace image from the frame trace device and permittingmanipulation of the image; and append the image file with the electronicorder; wherein the lens order entry facility is configured to: provide alab menu list to permit the ECP to select a desired lens lab; provide athird lens menu in response to receiving ECP input selecting the desiredlens type, wherein the third lens menu simultaneously provides a list oflens brands available based on the selected lab and lens type; andprovide a fourth lens menu in response to receiving ECP input selectingthe desired lens material, wherein the fourth lens menu simultaneouslyprovides a list of lens colors available based on the selected lab andselected lens type, brand and material.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe lens order entry facility is further configured to: provide an orderlook-up button; in response to ECP input selecting the order look-upbutton, provide an order inquiry screen for viewing in-processelectronic orders or archived electronic orders; in response to ECPinput selecting to view in-process electronic orders, display at leasttwo in-process electronic orders, each having a prescription numberfield, a patient field, a lab field, and a status field; and provide asearch order screen to permit the ECP to search at least archivedelectronic orders by prescription number, patient, lab, or status field.4. A computer-implemented method for ordering lens products between auser computer and a vendor computer over a geographically distributedtelecommunications network, the method comprising: providing a lensorder entry screen, including a lens select option; receiving a lensprescription input; providing at least a first lens menu in response toreceiving input selecting the lens select option, wherein the first lensmenu simultaneously provides a list of lens styles; providing at least asecond lens menu in response to receiving input selecting a desired lensstyle from the first lens menu, wherein the second lens menusimultaneously provides a list of materials available based on theselected lens style; receiving input selecting a desired lens material;and providing an electronic order, wherein the electronic order includesthe lens prescription with the selected lens style and material.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising, providing at least a first framemenu, wherein the first frame menu simultaneously provides a list offrame brands; providing at least a second frame menu in response toreceiving input selecting a desired frame brand from the first framemenu, wherein the second frame menu simultaneously provides a list offrame models available based on the selected frame brand; receivinginput selecting a desired frame model; and providing the desired framebrand and model with the electronic order; providing an eyeglass frametrace option; in response to receiving input selecting the frame traceoption, providing at least a frame trace screen for importing a frametrace image and permitting manipulation of the image; appending theimage file with the electronic order; providing a lab menu listing twoor more lens labs; providing a third lens menu in response to receivinginput selecting the desired lens style, wherein the third lens menusimultaneously provides a list of lens brands available based on aselected lab and lens style; and providing a fourth lens menu inresponse to receiving input selecting the desired lens material, whereinthe fourth lens menu simultaneously provides a list of lens colorsavailable based on the selected lab and selected lens style, brand andmaterial.
 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing atleast a first frame menu, wherein the first frame menu simultaneouslyprovides a list of frame brands; providing at least a second frame menuin response to receiving input selecting a desired frame brand from thefirst frame menu, wherein the second frame menu simultaneously providesa list of frame models available based on the selected frame brand;receiving input selecting a desired frame model; and providing thedesired frame brand and model with the electronic order.
 7. The methodof claim 4, further comprising: providing at least a frame menu, whereinthe frame menu simultaneously provides a list of frame brands or models;receiving input selecting a desired frame brand or model; and providingthe desired frame brand or model with the electronic order.
 8. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising: providing an eyeglass frame traceoption; in response to receiving input selecting the frame trace option,providing at least a frame trace screen for importing a frame traceimage and permitting manipulation of the image; and appending the imagefile with the electronic order.
 9. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising: appending a frame trace image file with the electronicorder.
 10. The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a labmenu listing two or more lens labs; and restricting menu options basedon input selecting one of the two or more labs from the lab menu. 11.The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a third lens menuin response to receiving input selecting the desired lens style, whereinthe third lens menu simultaneously provides a list of lens brandsavailable based on the selected lens style; and providing a fourth lensmenu in response to receiving input selecting the desired lens material,wherein the fourth lens menu simultaneously provides a list of lenscolors available based on the selected lens style, brand and material.12. The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a third lensmenu in response to receiving input selecting the desired lens style,wherein the third lens menu simultaneously provides a list of lensbrands or lens colors available based on the selected lens style. 13.The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing an order look-upoption; in response to input selecting the order look-up button,providing an order inquiry screen for viewing in-process electronicorders or archived electronic orders; in response to input to viewin-process electronic orders, displaying at least one in-processelectronic order having a prescription number or patient field and astatus field; and providing a search order screen to permit the tosearch at least archived electronic orders by prescription number,patient, or status field.
 14. The method of claim 4, further comprising:providing an order inquiry screen for viewing pending electronic ordershaving a prescription number or patient field and a status field. 15.The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a search orderscreen to permit searching of at least archived electronic orders byprescription number, patient, or status field.
 16. The method of claim4, further comprising: receiving and validating at least the electronicorder at a server computer; and providing the electronic order to thevendor computer if the electronic order is valid.
 17. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising: providing at least one lens coatings menu,wherein the coatings menu simultaneously provides a list of coatingsavailable based on a selected lab or the selected lens type andmaterial.
 18. The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing atleast one eyewear package menu, wherein the package menu simultaneouslyprovides a list of eyewear package available, and wherein lens stylesand materials provided under the first and second menus are restrictedbased on a selected package.
 19. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising: storing the electronic order; and retrieving and editing thestored electronic order.
 20. The method of claim 4, further comprising:receiving input selecting an eyewear package, and verifyingcompatibility of at least the selected lens style and material based onthe selected package.
 21. The method of claim 4, further comprising:providing at least a frame option with the electronic order, wherein theframe options include requesting the vendor to supply a frame, to supplylens only, or to indicate that a frame will be sent to the vendor. 22.The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing printing output forcreating a printed screen shot of the electronic order.
 23. The methodof claim 4, further comprising: providing links to information for twoor more vendors associated with lens provided under the first menu. 24.The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a pop up windowhaving information associated with a vendor of products provided underthe first or second menu.
 25. The method of claim 4, further comprising:providing billing entry fields for receiving input regarding two or moreentities to be billed.
 26. The method of claim 4, further comprising:receiving electronic input associated with lens finishing or surfacingequipment, and including the lens equipment input with the electronicorder.
 27. The method of claim 4, further comprising: receiving anelectronic order from another system; analyzing the electronic orderfrom another system and providing an error report, and receiving editinginput to correct errors in the electronic order from another system. 28.A computer-readable medium whose contents cause a computer to an orderfor lens products, the comprising: providing at least a first lens menu,wherein the first lens menu simultaneously provides a list of lensstyles; providing at least a second lens menu in response to receivinginput selecting a desired lens style from the first lens menu, whereinthe second lens menu simultaneously provides a list of materialsavailable based on the selected lens style; receiving input selecting adesired lens material; and providing an electronic order, wherein theelectronic order includes the selected lens style and material.
 29. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 28 wherein the computer-readablemedium is a logical node in a computer network receiving the contents.30. The computer-readable medium of claim 28 wherein thecomputer-readable medium is a computer-readable disk.
 31. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 28 wherein the computer-readablemedium is a data transmission medium transmitting a generated datasignal containing the contents.
 32. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 28 wherein the computer-readable medium is a memory of a computersystem.
 33. A computer-readable medium containing a data structurehaving information for displaying information to a client computer undera client-server system, wherein the client-server system includes anetwork coupling the client computer with a server computer, theinformation comprising: a display description defining: an eye careprofessional (ECP) section for receiving input regarding a patient intoat least one patient field; a prescription section for receiving inputinto at least one prescription field regarding a lens prescription forthe patient; a lens section for receiving input into at least one lensfield regarding a type of lens for the prescription; a frame section forreceiving input into at least one frame field regarding a frameassociated with the lens; and wherein at least the lens or framesections provide a displayable menu listing options available under forat least one field in the lens or frame section.
 34. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 33, further comprising: a coatingsection for receiving input into at least one coating field regarding acoating for the lens.
 35. An apparatus for use in ordering lens productsfrom a lab computer over a geographically distributed network, theapparatus comprising: a computer, wherein the computer comprises: atleast one user input device; at least one port for receiving data from aframe trace device; at least one display device; a communicationfacility for exchanging communications with the lab computer other overthe network memory; and at least one processor coupled to the inputdevice, port, display device, memory and communication facility, whereinthe computer is configured to: receive initialization or updateinformation; receive user input to an electronic form for ordering lensproducts, wherein the electronic form provides at least a first lensmenu simultaneously listing lens styles, and a second lens menu inresponse to receiving input selecting a desired lens style from thefirst lens menu, wherein the second lens menu simultaneously provides alist of materials available based on the selected lens style; receiveinput selecting a desired lens material; receive the data from the frametrace device; and providing an electronic order to the lab computer viathe communication facility, wherein the electronic order includes theselected lens style and material, and the data from the frame tracedevice.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the computer is furtherconfigured to: archive the electronic order; and receive from the labcomputer an update on pending orders.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35wherein the communication facility-includes a modem, and wherein thecomputer is further configured to: accumulate two or more electronicorders; and provide the two or more orders to the lab computer as abatch.
 38. A computer-implemented method for use with a frame tracedevice, the method comprising: providing an eyeglass frame trace option;in response to receiving input selecting the frame trace option,displaying a frame trace screen for importing a digital frame traceimage from the frame trace device; providing a scale option forpermitting scaling of the digital frame trace image; scaling the digitalframe trace image in response to input to the scale option; providing atleast one image movement option to permit up or down axis adjustment orimage rotation; moving the digital frame trace image in response toinput to the image movement option; and appending the image file with anelectronic lens order.
 39. A computer-implemented method for use with alens order entry facility, the method comprising: providing an orderlook-up option under an electronic lens order entry screen; in responseto input selecting the order look-up option from the electronic lensorder entry screen, providing a lens order inquiry screen for viewingin-process electronic lens orders and archived electronic lens orders;in response to input selecting to view in-process electronic lensorders, displaying at least two in-process electronic lens orders,wherein each in-process electronic lens order has a prescription numberfield, a patient field, a lab field, and a status field; and in responseto input selecting to view in-process electronic orders, displaying asearch order screen to permit searching of at least archived electroniclens orders by prescription number, patient, lab, or status field.